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In 2018, Central Florida was ranked first in the nation for job growth, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, Forbes magazine ranked the metro Orlando region No. 1 to invest in a home with an estimated 84,000 building permits issued in Orange County valued at $2.3 billion. Orange County also earned the highest AAA credit rating from Moody's Investors Service, recognizing its fiscal reliability and continued quality-of-life enhancements.

Sustainability and Built Environment

How the built environment interacts with and shapes our land, air and water directly affects the health of our residents and the quality of life in our communities. Components of a sustainably built environment include energy conservation, structural stability, architectural and civil engineering aesthetics, urban design and property operation and maintenance. Build codes, design standards, planned developments and educated owners, builders and inspectors are necessary for keeping the character of our built environment safe, healthy and thriving for future generations of Orange County.

Links to rebate programs can be found on the Orange County Solar webpage. EPD continues to support USGBC and the Central Florida Energy Efficiency Alliance (CFEEA) with the Battle of the Buildings challenges.

50% complete

3.

Promote water conservation through smart irrigation and other technologies and methods.

*new strategy as of November 2017

Medium

Continued a Smart Irrigation Study beyond the original project timeline (5 years) to determine the operational longevity of the smart devices and the longer term water savings of those devices. A second report will be issued in the 2019 with those results.

75% complete

4.

Adopt an energy benchmarking and disclosure ordinance for commercial buildings

Medium

Orange County has benchmarked County buildings that fall within the City of Orlando's Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy ordinance and has begun to report data to the City. No progress has been made on a County ordinance.

50% complete

5.

Develop incentives for green building

Medium

Supported USGBC's effort to bring EPA's Better Buildings Challenge to the area. Building and Environmental Protection Divisions worked to implement a storm drain inlet marking requirement for new developments.

The BCC has decided not to move forward with the PACE program at this time. A BCC workshop was held to review the SELF program with the potential for budget funding for a SELF location in Orange County. Discussions continue and will include other regional partners.

50% complete

2.

Continue to expand the existing landfill gas reutilization system *new strategy as of May 2017

Medium

The Orange County landfill gas reutilization wellfield was expanded by more than 35 wells in 2018.

75% complete

3.

Identify and reduce barriers to alternative energy

Short

In August 2018, Orange County received the Dept. of Energy SOLSMART GOLD award for its efforts in streamlining solar permitting and promoting solar education. Orange County created an electronic permitting process for rooftop solar permits, provided the ability to submit electronic plans with online payment, provided a permitting checklist for electrical permitting for residential rooftop solar PV systems, and promoted solar co-ops throughout the County. Task Completed.

75% complete

4.

Promote an increase in solar power through solar co-ops and other solar aggregation programs
*new strategy as of March 2017

Long

Orange County continued the partnership with several groups to launch two additional solar co-ops in the county. Within the last two years, 2.2 MW of solar capacity have been installed on 235 homes.

75% complete

Goal 18: Our Neighborhoods Are Transit-Ready And Walkable

Built Environment Progress Table, Goal 18

Strategy

Time Frame

Strategy Progress Information for 2018

Progress

1.

Retrofit suburban strip malls into neighborhood centers

Long

Development code for retrofitting suburban strip malls is being incorporated into the OrangeCode project.

75% complete

2.

Advance pedestrian friendly and complete street principles in new and existing developments

Medium

Completing draft of the Orange County code for pedestrian safety/ADA compliance by end of 2018. On-going capital improvement projects by the Public Works Department continue.

75% complete

3.

Use a shared-parking matrix in activity center areas

Medium

The shared parking matrix which was adopted for I-drive is being incorporated into the OrangeCode project for use in other upcoming Urban Centers.

75% complete

4.

Modify regulations to develop transit-ready communities

Medium

Being incorporated into OrangeCode project.

75% complete

5.

Establish context-sensitive development standards

Medium

Being incorporated into OrangeCode project.

75% complete

6.

Consider conservation subdivisions in the Rural Service Area

Medium

Updates being completed to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.

100% complete

Goal 19: Infill And Redevelopment Are Encouraged

Built Environment Progress Table, Goal 19

Strategy

Time Frame

Strategy Progress Information for 2018

Progress

1.

Develop a prioritized list of sites most ready for redevelopment

Medium

Vacant land assessment tools are being developed.

50% complete

2.

Support temporary creative neighborhood uses for vacant properties and greyfields

Medium

This is an on-going project as part of the Safe Neighborhood Zones effort.

25% complete

3.

Calculate return on investment for new development and provide regulatory and financial incentives to encourage infill and redevelopment

Medium

Currently researching a tool to do this assessment.

50% complete

4.

Modify land development code to encourage sustainable development

Medium

Code written for the I-Drive and Pine Castle pilot projects is being incorporated into the OrangeCode project.

75% complete

5.

Promote and encourage local food production

Medium

Published fact sheet titled 'Residential Market Gardens' describing how residential homeowners can expand the home garden to sell vegetables off site at Farmer's Markets and other venues to increase family income. Educational outreach for urban/rural farming and cottage food entrepreneurs continues. Assist with the new 'Paramore Farmers Market' designed to be an outlet for urban farm/gardens to sell their vegetables.

50% complete

Goal 20: Workforce Housing Is Affordable And Readily Available

Built Environment Progress Table, Goal 20

Strategy

Time Frame

Strategy Progress Information for 2018

Progress

1.

Consider the impact of urban form on transportation cost, as well as housing cost

Medium

Currently researching this topic in more detail.

50% complete

2.

Incorporate workforce housing in areas served by transit and in mixed-use development areas

Long

Workforce housing is being addressed with the Access & Opportunity Model resulting from the Affordable Housing Summit and is being incorporated into OrangeCode.

50% complete

3.

Encourage work force housing development in areas of opportunity close to labor markets, transportation and general services.

*new strategy as of November 2017

Long

A GIS-based Access and Opportunity model which identifies areas better suited for locating affordable and workforce housing is currently under development. This model will be incorporated into the development review process and paired with regulatory and financial incentives intended to encourage future housing development in close proximity to transportation routes, employment centers and various community services.

75% complete

4.

Establish regulatory and financial mechanisms that support the production of affordable housing.

*new strategy as of November 2017

Long

As part of the Regional Affordable Housing Initiative, various modifications to land development regulations are currently being assessed. Additionally, increased impact fee subsidy amounts for affordable housing developments and an Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Fund have been approved for implementation in the updated Local Housing Assistance Plan.

50% complete

5.

Fund workforce housing with linkage fee on new developments

Long

A linkage assessment was a recommendation from the Affordable Housing Regional working group.

Percentage of Affordable Housing Units produced/funded through OC/HCD located within areas of access & opportunity

N/A

N/A

FY17
282/960
29.4%

Good
Progress

5% of units

Want to get involved?

Our built environment includes many different elements of building design, efficiency, aesthetics and stability along with land use
and planning, affordable housing and local food production. Bringing together so many aspects within our communities will help
us ensure a safe, connected and thriving place for all residents.

Ready for Solar?

Orange County recently sponsored a solar co-op for residents interested in using solar energy for their homes. The main goal of the co-op was connecting homeowners and solar installers to make the process easy to understand and affordable. Members can save as much as 20% of the cost of a solar system. Join the Florida solar conversation and see if you are Ready for Solar too!

Ed Thralls (407)254-9200

Tour The Ecomap

Being ‘green’ in Orange County is easy and fun. EcoMap can help you find electric car charging stations, ‘green’ dining restaurants, ‘green’ lodging hotels, local harvest farms and Green PLACE properties.

Utilize our Parks and Recreation Centers!

There are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise in Orange County. Visit one of the many Orange County Parks and Recreation Centers. You’ll find trails, activities and teams for all ages.